Even when it’s not explicitly religious, humans do what they always have: raise their heads, shout questions to the stars, and wish for an answer. Francesco Dimitri reflects on how belief in alien visitors resembles our oldest ways of making sense of the world. Read by Jonathan Booth.

Psyche

UFO belief is a modern outlet for ancient spiritual yearnings

As the global bestseller One Day reduces a new generation to tears, it’s fair to say that no other author captures the bittersweet highs and lows of falling in love better than David Nicholls. Here, he talks to Eva Wiseman about nostalgia, self-confidence and the rewards of solitude. Read by Emma Powell.

The Guardian

David Nicholls: ‘I don’t think I’ll write another love story’

As "P4x," Alejandro Caceres single-handedly disrupted an entire country's internet. Then he tried to show the US military how it can—and should—adopt his methods. Andy Greenberg explores the fascinating story of the cybersecurity entrepreneur and vigilante hacker. 

Read by Mark Deakins.

WIRED

A vigilante hacker took down North Korea’s internet. Now he’s taking off his mask

Apple's mixed-reality headset is impossible to ignore. But, as Brenda Stolyar discovers, it can create a wall of isolation between partners. Read by Betsy Foldes Meiman.

My life outside of the Apple Vision Pro

Dev Patel craved action films with a social conscience—six years, two studios, and a half-dozen injuries later, he's finally made one with Monkey Man. David Fear speaks to the actor about his recent directorial debut. Read by Sean Crisden.

Rolling Stone

'There Were Punches I Didn’t Want to Pull’: Why Dev Patel Needed to Make ‘Monkey Man’

The legalization of cannabis in the United States has been an unqualified success for approximately no one. But a legal psychedelics industry could serve at least some Americans well, Jane C. Hu writes.

The Atlantic

Almost no one is happy with legal weed

As many now consider the sex trafficking and sexual abuse allegations against Sean Combs to define his legacy, Craig Jenkins examines how the rap mogul shook off decades of rumoured bad behaviour with wholesome PR revamps. Read by Karl Miller.

Vulture

Diddy’s open secrets

Victor Montalvo set out to be the best breaker in the world. Nobody ever thought that would mean spinning for a medal. Brandon Sneed explores how B-Boy Victor went from being burned out and grieving a sudden loss to competing at the 2024 Olympics. Read by Sean Crisden.

America’s first olympic breakdancer is ready to take gold

In a candid interview, Britain's shortest-serving Prime Minister signals that left-wing bureaucratic resistance and weak Conservative support are to blame for her downfall. Talking to George Parker, Liz Truss discusses her turbulent 49-day tenure, radical economic policies, and belief in a deep-state conspiracy. Read by Jonathan Booth.

Financial Times

Liz Truss: ‘I don’t believe in guardrails’

A growing body of research suggests that a positive state of mind plays a significant role in promoting both physical and mental well-being. Immaculata De Vivo explores the correlation between optimism and numerous positive health indicators. Read by Gina Rogers.

MIT Press Reader

The new science of optimism and longevity

An earlier era of the internet badly burned media companies. However, content-makers are determined not to be caught out again in the age of AI. The Economist reflects on why a frenzy of litigation and dealmaking is under way.

The Economist

Generative AI is a marvel. Is it also built on theft?

Under Narendra Modi, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has created an effective electoral machine with deep organisational roots and a strong emphasis on Hindu nationalism. The Financial Times examines how the party is aiming for a significant victory in the upcoming elections. Read by Jonathan Booth.

Inside the formidable grassroots operation of India’s BJP

The egg donation industry in the U.S. is a world of high financial stakes and little regulation, where women’s traits are commodified. Paige Bruton reports on the serious ethical questions these findings are raising. Read by Sharon Bott.

New Lines Magazine

Because you’re worth it: how the US egg donation industry monetizes beauty

Just how easy is it to transition a home from natural gas to more sustainable, climate-friendly energy solutions? Tik Root reflects on the complex and often costly process of decarbonizing homes amidst evolving market conditions and incentives. Read by Ron Butler.

Emission impossible: the maddening, nightmare quest to decarbonize my home

The average American 25-year-old Gen Zer has an annual household income of over $40,000, more than 50% above the average baby boomer at the same age. The Economist considers how long this economic advantage could last.

Generation Z is unprecedentedly rich

Some countries are experimenting with, or reintroducing, conscription in response to dwindling recruitment numbers and escalating global tensions. The Economist reveals that despite various attempts to make military service appealing, the values of younger generations and lucrative job markets continue to challenge traditional recruitment efforts.

Would you really die for your country?

While suspicion deepens between China and the West, financial columnist Yuan Yang spotlights the intimate stories of the people living through the nation's rapid transformation. By reflecting on the personal dimension of China's rise, Yang stresses the importance of such stories in understanding the country and its future. Read by Emma Powell.

The untold human stories of China’s economic boom

Vice Media's rapid expansion led to a staggering $5.7 billion valuation, followed by financial turmoil, including bankruptcy and the shutdown of its award-winning news division in 2024. Elizabeth Lopatto argues that Vice's fall and collapse highlight how the quality of content delivered by workers can be excellent, but poor management can kill a company. Read Betsy Foldes Meiman.

The Verge

How Vice’s execs burned down its newsroom

Jeanette Breen, a New York midwife, falsified 12,499 vaccine records using homoeopathic pellets instead of actual vaccines. James D. Walsh reflects on how her actions raised public health concerns and legal scrutiny amid tightening vaccination laws. Read by Michael Satow.

New York Magazine

What led a New York midwife to fake 12,499 vaccine records? And what, exactly, did parents know?

Ex-Tinder CEO Renate Nyborg is turning to advanced AI to make us less lonely. Speaking to Madhumita Murgia about her transformative journey in tech, the former executive shares her ambition to reshape social connections in our digital world. Read by Gina Rogers.